“When unelected people like this come out of the shadows and accuse Labour MPs who are deeply anxious about the future of their country and the fact that t he Labour Party faces an existential threat from the leader that we have, to then be accused by Jeremy’s unelected officials, who apparently never even attended a meeting of the Labour Remain campaign, is too much”, Mr Woodcock added.
Advertisement
The broadside from Mr Johnson came as the Labour leader faced an avalanche of resignations from his shadow cabinet and frontbench team, with some of the most senior shadow ministers calling for him to quit.
David Cameron has joked that the new Labour MP for Tooting should “keep her mobile on – she might be in the Shadow Cabinet by the end of the day” as the Prime Minister gave his statement to MPs about the Brexit referendum result.
Mr Corbyn, who was elected in September in a landslide victory, is facing a vote of no confidence from Labour MPs.
He replied: “Can I thank him for his kind remarks, and the fact that he hopes we will be debating with each other for some weeks or possibly months to come”.
Mr Benn said: “At this absolutely critical time for our country, following the European Union referendum result, the Labour Party needs strong and effective leadership as we take decisions of huge importance for the future of our country”.
But it is believed that both Lady Smith and Lord Bassam, Labour chief whip in the Lords, will boycott shadow cabinet meetings while Mr Corbyn remains as leader.
“As we appear to be moving towards an early general election, our members need strong and united leadership from the Labour Party”.
Campbell praised members of the shadow cabinet for breaking the Labour habit of keeping leaders in place. “He needs to realise that he can’t lead us into a general election”.
“This is a battle for the soul of the Labour party”.
Former communities minister Ian Austin said the “overwhelming majority of speakers were critical of Jeremy and saying he should stand down”.
“And if he doesn’t go or he has another contest and he wins it I think I’d have to really seriously consider about whether I can stay in the Labour party”.
Former frontbencher John Woodcock is said to have had a stand up row with Mr Corbyn’s press spokesman.
The left-wing activists and union members – including an Fire Brigades Union vehicle – had gathered as Labour MPs met inside Parliament for a fractious meeting with their leader.
The crowd cheered and waved placards reading “No Jexit” as Mr Corbyn told them: “We don’t need a blame culture”.
Advertisement
Mr McDonnell said: “Let me say this, let me make this absolutely clear to you”.
